We are only two weeks away from the launch of the new Assassins Creed game and to build up some excitement for its release, we’ve been treated to some AC Shadows gameplay. Ubisoft released some new footage to showcase the Assassin’s Creed Shadows combat system and the different playstyles of the two protagonists, Naoe and Yahuke. Whether you want to deal with powerful blows or play in stealth mode, you get to choose your playstyle with the two.

The AC Shadows stealth moves are a personal favorite, particularly when you see it incorporated with the walking assassination mechanics that made a comeback with Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Ubisoft also revealed the recruitment system for Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood will be available in the upcoming AC game, so we’re uber-excited to see how that pans out. 

Let’s also not forget the AC Shadows hideout system that we can build and design with some degree of freedom. Want to know more? Here’s everything we know about the AC Shadows gameplay and some other exciting game mechanics.

AC Shadows PS5 Pro graphics

Image: From the changing weather conditions to the creative combat, the AC Shadows gameplay footage has a lot to offer.

The AC Shadows Gameplay Reveal Has Us Excited for Its March Release

Assassin’s Creed Shadows releases on March 20, 2025, and Ubisoft isn’t planning on letting us forget about the incoming release. The action RPG is the fourteenth major installment in the AC series and comes two years after the last release in 2023, Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The title will be playable on the PlayStation 5 and 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. What about the Steam Deck?

Unfortunately for fans who were looking to experience the game on their handheld console, the game will not be playable on the Steam Deck, much like other major AAA releases in the last few years. Valve is reportedly working on a Steam Deck 2 that could be released in the second half of 2025 or even later, but the relevance of a PC console is now starting to dim in light of these games being unplayable. 

AC Shadows Gameplay: A First Look at What To Expect

In preparation for the March 20 launch, we were treated to some AC Shadows gameplay footage that showed us some of the key differences between the two controversial protagonists and their playstyles. We were also treated to an exploration of the Nijo Palace, the castle complex or tenshu, area in the game.

Conquering a tenshu involves eliminating all the Samurai Daisho on its premises, and unlocks some interesting gear for the player. It also increases their Knowledge Rank and experience points available to upgrade specific abilities. Let’s summarize some of the key highlights from the AC Shadows gameplay:

  • Details of Naoe’s stealth approach and how she uses shadows to her advantage. Vanishing into the shadows only works when you’re crouched or prone
  • Ways to utilize the grappling hook to get around
  • The range of weapons including Naoe’s Hidden Blade, shuriken, kunai, tanto, and kusarigama or Yasuke’s katana, kanabo, naginata, and teppo
  • No avian scouting support in AC Shadows. You have to hold L2 and use the Observe mechanic instead
  • We saw how the quick swap of Shadows’ gear worked and the stat bonuses they bring
  • You can summon recruited allies with different bird calls for assists with kills
  • Example of allies include Gennojo, an ally who can stun enemies, and Oni-Yuri, a poison specialist who can put targeted enemies to sleep and also affect those who investigate the bodies
  • Double assassinations look extremely cool with Naoe
  • Weapons for Yasuke are easier to find in the game, especially in guard towers, making his playthrough more rewarding
  • Yasuke can also climb but to a more limited degree compared to Naoe
  • With Naoe’s Eagle Vision, you can see hostiles through the walls in red while civilians turn orange 
  • Yasuke’s backbreaker ability with his kanabo is terrifying
  • Yasuke can be used in a stealth playstyle as well, but he shines best with a full-frontal assault approach
  • A glimpse at Yasuke’s single-shot rifle and its loud and bold approach
  • There are more than 30 unique castles in the game, each with a revered Daisho chest filled with loot

AC Shadows Hideout System Brings Pets and Good Company

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ combat system is obviously the central reason to play the game, but it’s also nice when there’s a good storyline or additional features that make the game more engaging. AC Shadows’ hideout system is one such aspect of the game we’re excited about. As you play, you can recruit allies who you can summon during your missions for a quick burst of support to get you out of a tight spot.

The allies will all live with the protagonists as they expand on the 1-acre hideout. The modular approach to the space will let players build with a greater degree of freedom, setting up structures and decorations for the characters to actually interact with. This immersive approach to the hideout in AC Shadows should give players a fun break from the combat without having to leave the game.

If you prefer animals over people, you might also be excited to hear about the integration of pets in this game. You can find the usual cats and dogs, as well as a few wild animals like foxes. They can be placed within your hideout and pet as well, to show your appreciation to them for giving you the drive you need to get out there and assassinate your enemies every day.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows combat

Image: Here are Assassin’s Creed Shadows specs for your perusal.

AC Shadows Console Specs Revealed

For fans who do have a compatible system to play the game, there is a lot to be excited about with the incoming game—that is if you haven’t grown tired of the series already. PS5 Pro gamers will be able to access “extended ray tracing,” which is a fancy way of saying that the game will feature enhanced visuals and depictions of illumination across the game. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a 123GB game and offers three different graphics modes—Performance, Fidelity, and Balanced—and gamers can play at up to 2160p and 60 FPS with the performance mode. Here’s the full breakdown of AC Shadows graphics specs for the consoles.

AC Shadows PS5 Graphics:
  • Performance Mode: 2160p upscaled, 60 FPS, Selective Ray Tracing
  • Fidelity Mode: 2160p upscaled, 30 FPS, Standard Ray Tracing
  • Balanced Mode (requires 120/240hz display and HDMI 2.1): 2160p upscaled, 40 FPS, Standard Ray Tracing
Assassin’s Creed Shadows PS5 Pro Graphics: 
  • Performance Mode: 2160p upscaled, 60 FPS, Standard Ray Tracing
  • Fidelity Mode: 2160p upscaled, 30 FPS, Extended Ray Tracing
  • Balanced Mode (requires 120/240hz display and HDMI 2.1): 2160p upscaled, 40 FPS, Extended Ray Tracing
AC Shadows Xbox Series S Graphics: 
  • Fidelity Mode: 1620p resolution upscaled, 30 FPS, Selective Ray Tracing
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Xbox Series X Graphics:
  • Performance Mode: 2160p resolution upscaled, 60 FPS, Selective Ray Tracing
  • Fidelity Mode: 2160p resolution upscaled, 30 FPS, Standard Ray Tracing
  • Balanced Mode: 2160 resolution upscaled, 40 FPS, Standard Ray Tracing

When Can I Play AC Shadows?

The release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been set for March 20, but players who are interested in the game can preload it ahead of launch. Xbox Series X|S users can preload the game right now, whereas PC users have to wait till 4 PM UTC on March 17 to preload it. PS5 players have to wait a day longer as pre-loading starts on March 18 at midnight local time. 

AC Shadows Price: How Much Will It Cost Me?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is priced at $69.99 for the Standard game or the Limited Edition Amazon Exclusive release. Preorders for Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gold Edition start at $100 while preorders for Assassin’s Creed Ultimate Edition start at $130. 

The first expansion of the game is expected to be free so if you’ve made up your mind to buy the game, it’s best to pre-order it now.

AC Shadows hideout system

Image: Will gamers give AC Shadows a shot despite the controversies? That’s what we’re curious to see.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Footage Has Set a Good Tone for the Release

We don’t know about you, but we’re personally quite excited by the AC Shadows gameplay and all the many mechanics we have to explore. Both the protagonists are extremely unique in their approach and also customizable to a degree, which should be fun to explore. The graphics and game decisions look exceptional, and we’re very eager to explore AC Shadows’ hideout system along with the combat.

The choice of protagonists has irked gamers since the early days of the game’s announcement, which is unsurprising. The games’ release delays—first scheduled for November 15, 2024, then February 14, 2025, and now in March—have been a sore point among gamers, but there is still excitement surrounding its launch. We’ll be ready to play and review the game the moment it’s available, so remember to check back in for a review later in March.

Any thoughts on the AC Shadows gameplay footage? What are you most excited about or worried about? Let us know. For more insights into the world of gaming and all things tech, subscribe to Technowize.

tagged in AC Shadows gameplay, AC Shadows hideout system, AC Shadows PS5 Pro graphics, AC Shadows stealth moves, Assassin’s Creed Shadows combat, Assassin’s Creed Shadows footage, Assassin’s Creed Shadows specs
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